Article 9
The structure and operation of the CPG is based on the principle of democratic
centralism.
Democratic centralism ensures the Party the ability, through broad, free discussion, to
generalise the views and experiences of Party members, of non-members and of the working
people, to arrive at collective decisions and at the same time to act with unity,
resoluteness and discipline in implementing them.
In application of this principle, th creation and activity of organised groups within the
Party is not permitted. This would undermine its unity, its democratic operation and its
effective action.
The main components of democratic centralism are: democracy within the party and
centralism.
Democracy within the party means:
Equality of all Party members with respect to their rights and obligations. Ensuring the
right to express their opinions freely and responsibly on all Party issues, in accordance
with the Statutes.
The electability and removability of leading bodies or members of these bodies, rom the
Bureau of the BO up to the Central Committee. Regular and extraordinary accountability to
the organisations and Conferences that elected them. Systematic information of party
organisations about their decisions.
Ensuring the personal contribution, initiative and responsibility of all Party members in
making and implementing decisions.
Ensuring all Party membersÆ right to vote and stand for election.
Initiatives by all party organisations to solve their local issues independently and
responsibly within the framework of the PartyÆs policy and general positions.
Centralism means:
Bringing the operation and activity of all Party organisations under one single centre,
the Central Committee, which is the supreme organ during the period between congresses.
That decisions made by higher leading bodies must be implemented by lower bodies, Party
organisations and Party members. Conscientious Party discipline where the minority submits
to the will of the majority. In the event of disagreement, those who disagree are obliged
to implement the decision made by the majority.
Article 10
Follow-up, criticism and self-criticism are comonent elements of the PartyÆs
operation. They help in implementing decisions, developing action, generalising
experience, dealing with weaknesses, correcting mistakes, training cadres and members, and
strengthening conscientious Party discipline. But criticism must be exercised only within
the responsible Party bodies and Conferences. Cadres and members who obstruct criticism
bear a grave responsibility and may be subject to penalties including expulsion from the
Party.
Article 11
The supreme principle in Party leadership is that of collectivity, an indispensable
condition for the normal operation and action of Party organisations, for the correct
training of cadres, and for the development of activity and initiative by Party members.
The principle of collectivity restricts subjectivity, ensures the best, most comprehensive
decisions, and contributes to the PartyÆs unity of action. In the Party, it must not be
possible for one-person decisions to replace the collective decisions of its bodies.
The principle of collectivity does not abolish individual responsibility nor does it
downgrade personal contribution. Within the collectivity, the personal features of every
Party member can and must show through.
Article 12
Leading bodies, secretaries and their Bureaus, as well as representatives to
Conferences, are elected by secret ballot, according to the procedure set out in the
regulations. Persons who gather 50% + 1 of the votes cast by those present and entitled to
vote are considered to have been elected. If, after two successive ballots, the candidates
do not collect the 50% + 1 required for election, in the third and final ballot, they are
elected on the basis of who has reeived the greatest number of crosses.
All other decisions on political issues, as well as on current problems, are taken by open
ballot and a relative majority.
Article 13
a) The Party is structured on the basis of production and/or
territory. Base Organisations are created in industries or other enterprises, in services,
in sectors and in places where people live in towns and villages. Party members who work
in large industries or other enterprises must belong to these organisations. Exceptions
may be permitted by decision of the prefectural committees.
By decision of the Central Committee, when deemed necessary, Party organisations may be
created in other countries in which Greek immigrants and students are resident.
b) Party Base Organissationsare joined together in organisations of districts,
prefectures, and regions.
c) The main organisational levels are:
The Base Organisation (BO)
The District Committee
The Prefectural Committee
The Regional Committee
The Central Committee.
The Party Organisations of Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki are counterparts of Regional
Organisations.
In places and sectors of particular importance, the Central Committee may set up a BO and
party or district committees under its direct guidance.